Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis is chronic infection of skin/subcutaneous tissue/nearby lymphatics by saprophytic Sporothrix schenckii; occasional systemic spread. Found on roses/barberry/sphagnum; gardeners/farmers/woodworkers most at risk.

Common Symptoms

Crusting; papule; pustule; meningitis

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: S. schenckii in soil/wood/plants; dimorphic; Gram-positive oval bodies in PMNs/monocytes; grows on glucose agar in 2-3 days. (2) Pathogenesis: traumatic implantation; oral/GI/respiratory/hematogenous spread. 1-3 weeks: painless firm pink subcutaneous nodule → enlarges/purples/ulcerates with sticky pus/scarring; lymphocutaneous/auto-inoculation = distant nodules; systemic = bone/joint/eye/mucosa/lung/myocardium/liver/spleen/kidney/glands/CNS.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Trauma contact with soil/plants; 1-3 weeks → furuncle-like lesion; upper limbs > lower > face; rare hematogenous dissemination. 10% KI 10 mL TID × 2-3 months; local heat adjunct; prevent trauma; burn dressings.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Dermatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.